Saif Ali Khan’s attacker gained entry by scaling wall, police recreate crime scene

The Bangladeshi national accused of attacking actor Saif Ali Khan gained entry into the actor's Bandra residence by scaling the compound wall and sneaking through the main entrance, where the building's security guards were found asleep, police revealed on Tuesday.

The Mumbai Police recreated the crime scene at the Satguru Sharan building, where the attack occurred in the early hours of January 16. The intruder, identified as 30-year-old Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, also known as Vijay Das, repeatedly stabbed Khan inside his 12th-floor apartment.

Attack Details and Investigation

Saif Ali Khan, 54, sustained multiple stab injuries and underwent emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital. He was discharged on January 21 and returned home. The police arrested the accused in Thane on Sunday and have since been piecing together the sequence of events.

Investigators discovered that the accused removed his shoes to avoid making noise and switched off his phone before entering the building. CCTV coverage in the building was limited, with no cameras installed in the corridors or at the main entrance, aiding the intruder's undetected movement.

Police Inspector Ajay Lingnurkar is leading the investigation. Authorities have also traced Fakir's movements to locations where he ate, changed clothes, and boarded a train.

Background of the Accused

Fakir, a native of Jhalokathi district in Bangladesh, had been residing in Mumbai for over five months, working odd jobs through a housekeeping agency. He entered India illegally and had been living under the alias Vijay Das.

Currently in police custody, Fakir is being held at Bandra or Santacruz police stations based on investigation requirements. Strict protocols ensure that only the investigation officer can interact with him.

Security Concerns Raised

The incident has highlighted serious lapses in the building’s security, including inattentive guards and a lack of CCTV cameras in key areas. The police investigation continues, aiming to uncover further details about the accused's intentions and actions leading up to the attack.